INTERCHANGEABLE RETAIL STORE DISPLAY

Abstract

An interchangeable retail store display for creating changeable wall coverings for retail stores. The interchangeable retail store display may be formed from a support structure coupled to a generally vertical wall in a retail store and a display panel removably attached to the support structure on an inner surface of the display panel and including a display on an outer surface of the display panel that is generally opposite to the inner surface. The outer surface of the display panel may include an aesthetic design or advertisement. The display panel may be easily replaced with another panel having a different design enabling a store to easily change appearances. Shelving may be attached with magnetism, and in another embodiment may be attached to the support structure with feet extending through slots in the display panel.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed generally to retail stores displays, and more particularly to interchangeable retail store displays.

BACKGROUND

Retail stores typically are contained within walls and a storefront open to customers, or at least, visible to customers through a glass wall. The walls within the store are typically painted and decorated during the initial setup of the store before merchandise is positioned in the store. After the walls are decorated, the merchandise is displayed within the store. Redecorating or changing the appearance of the store after the store is operating is very difficult and nearly impossible, often requiring disruption of store operation. Thus, a need exists for a more efficient method of redecorating the walls of a retail store.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to an interchangeable retail store display configured to enable the decor of a retail store to be easily changed. Changing the decor of a retail store enables the store to change appearance with the seasons, to change the decor to correspond with different clothing lines, to provide a refreshing appearance, or other such reasons. The interchangeable retail store display may include a support structure coupled to a generally vertical wall in a retail store and may include a display panel removably attached to the support structure on an inner surface of the display panel. The display panel may include a display on an outer surface of the display panel that is generally opposite to the inner surface. At least one shelf may be removably attached to the outer surface of the display panel with magnetism. By attaching shelving to the display panel, the shelving may be easily removed, reconfigured, or otherwise changed quickly with little risk of damaging the display panel. The support structure may be attached to a wall with a releasable adhesive, and the display panel may be attached to the support structure with a releasable adhesive. The shelves may include one or more magnets as appropriate to support the shelves and merchandise placed on the shelves.

The interchangeable retail store display may also include a frame attached to the support structure opposite to the display panel and a subframe attached to the frame and configured to be attached to a wall to offset the frame from the wall and to support the frame. In at least one embodiment, the frame and display panel may be releasably attached to the subframe. For instance, the frame may be releasably attached to the subframe with one or more cleats configured to fit within corresponding recesses in blocks. At least one light fixture coupled to the subframe for back lighting the display panel.

In another embodiment, the interchangeable retail store display may include at least one slot through which shelving proximate to the outer surface of the display panel may be attached to the support structure proximate to the inner surface. The outer surface of the display panel may include an aesthetic design, an advertisement, or other design.

The interchangeable retail store display may also include an attachment system coupled to the display panel for removably coupling the display panel to the support structure. The attachment system may be a hook and loop fastener or other appropriate device. The hook and loop fastener may be coupled to a perimeter of the inner surface of the display panel.

The support structure of the interchangeable retail store display may be a slat wall having a plurality of generally horizontal channels sized to receive support feet of removable shelving. In other embodiments of the interchangeable retail store display, the support structure may be formed from other appropriate structures.

The interchangeable retail store display may also include at least one light fixture coupled to the interchangeable retail store display for lighting the display panel. In one embodiment, the light fixture may be coupled to the support structure proximate to a top edge of the display panel and a light fixture may be coupled to the support structure proximate to a bottom edge of the display panel.

An advantage of this invention is that the interchangeable retail store display enables an appearance of a store to be easily changed by replacing the display panels rather than having to paint walls conventionally.

Another advantage of this invention is that interchangeable retail store display enables a retail space to be quickly changed to accommodate a different business or update the look for each sales season.

Yet another advantage of this invention is that the shelves may be repositioned very easily for new graphics on the display panel so that parts of the display are not covered.

These and other embodiments are described in more detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the presently disclosed invention and, together with the description, disclose the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a front view with a partial cutaway section of an interchangeable retail store display.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the interchangeable retail store display of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a display panel in the middle and a partial display panel on the right side revealing the support structure of the interchangeable retail store display of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a retail store including the interchangeable retail store display.

FIG. 5 is a side view of an alternative embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a front view of another alternative embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in FIGS. 1-7, this invention is directed to an interchangeable retail store display 10 configured to enable the decor of a retail store 16 to be easily changed. Changing the decor of a retail store 16 enables the store 16 to change with the seasons, to change the decor to correspond with different clothing lines, to provide a refreshing appearance, or other such reasons.

The interchangeable retail store display 10 may be formed from a support structure 12 coupled to a generally vertical wall 14 in a retail store 16. A display panel 18 may be removably attached to the support structure 12 on an inner surface 20 of the display panel 18. The display panel 18 may include a display on an outer surface 22 of the display panel 18 that is generally opposite to the inner surface 20. The display panel 18 may be laminated.

The display panel 18 may include one or more apertures 24, such as slots, through which shelving 26 proximate to the outer surface 22 of the display panel 18 may be attached to the support structure 12 proximate to the inner surface 20. In such a configuration, the display on the display panel 18 forms a background for the shelving 26 and may be seen behind merchandise stacked on the shelves. The outer surface 22 of the display panel 18 may include an aesthetic design, advertisements and other appropriate designs.

As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of display panels 18 may be used to decorate the walls 14 of a retail store 16. The displays panels 18 may cover all of the walls 14 or a portion thereof. The display panels 18 may be formed in sizes that are easily transported and handled, such as four foot in width by ten foot in length or other appropriate sizes. The panels 18 may be formed from any appropriate material, including, but not limited to, polyethylene and other appropriate materials. Graphics on the outer surface 22 of the panels 18 may be attached to the panels 18 in any appropriate manner. The graphics may be computer generated, hand drawn, or produced in another manner.

As shown in FIG. 1, the interchangeable retail store display 10 may also include an attachment system 28 coupled to the display panel 18 for removably coupling the display panel 18 to the support structure 12. The attachment system 28 may be removable to enable the display panels 18 to be interchanged. In one embodiment, the attachment system 28 may be a hook and loop fastener or other appropriate device. The hook and loop fastener 28 may be coupled to all of or portions of a perimeter 30 of the inner surface 20 of the display panel 18.

The support structure 12 may be any appropriate support device. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the support structure 12 may be a slat wall having a plurality of generally horizontal channels 32 sized to receive support feet of removable shelving 26. The slat wall 12 may be attached to the wall 14 with mechanical connectors, adhesive, or other appropriate materials. The slat wall 12 may contain channels 32 spaced in four inch intervals or at other appropriate intervals. The support structure 12 may also be formed from other devices as well.

The interchangeable retail store display 10 may also include one or more light fixtures 34 coupled to the interchangeable retail store display 10 for lighting the display panel 18. The light fixture 34 may be, but is not limited to, a light emitting diode (LED), a florescent light, incandescent light or other appropriate light fixtures. The light fixture 34 may be attached to the support structure 12. The light fixture 34 may illuminate the inner surface 20 of the display panel 18, may pass light through transparent portions of the display panel 18, or may pass light through apertures 24 in the display panel 18 or any combination thereof. The light fixture 34 may emit white light, colored light, black light, and other visible light. In one embodiment, a light fixture 34 may be coupled to the support structure 12 proximate to a top edge 36 of the display panel 18 and a light fixture 34 may be coupled to the support structure 12 proximate to a bottom edge 38 of the display panel.

The interchangeable retail store display 10 includes a method of decorating walls of a retail store 16 that includes attaching a display panel 18 to a support structure 12 coupled to a generally vertical wall 14 in the retail store 16. The display panel 18 may be removably attached to the support structure 12 on an inner surface 20 of the display panel 18 and may include a display on an outer surface 22 of the display panel 18 that is generally opposite to the inner surface 20. The display panel 18 may include a plurality of generally parallel, generally horizontal slots 24 through which shelving 26 proximate to the outer surface 22 of the display panel 18 is attached to the support structure 12 proximate to the inner surface 20. Attaching the display panel 18 may include using an attachment system 28 coupled to the display panel 18 for removably coupling the display panel 18 to the support structure 12. Attaching the display panel 18 may also include using an attachment system 28 that is a hook and loop fastener. Attaching the display panel 18 may include using the support structure 12 that is a slat wall having a plurality of generally horizontal channels 32 sized to receive support feet of removable shelving 26. Attaching the display panel 18 may also include one or more light fixtures being coupled to the support structure proximate to a top edge of the display panel and at least one light fixture being coupled to the support structure proximate to a bottom edge of the display panel.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the interchangeable retail store display 10 may include shelving supported with magnetism. In this embodiment, the interchangeable retail store display 10 may be formed from a support structure 12 that may or may not be attached to a wall 14. The support structure 12 may be self supporting and may be formed from materials, such as, but not limited to, metals, such as steel or other appropriate materials. The support structure 12 may be attached to the wall 14 with an adhesive 44 or other appropriate material. A display panel 18 may be attached to the support structure 12 in a manner such that the panel 18 is removable, such as with an adhesive 45 or other appropriate material. The display panel 18 may be configured as previously described. In at least one embodiment, the interchangeable retail store display 10 may include removable shelving 26 that is magnetized. The removable shelving 26 may include one or more magnets 40 that are of sufficient strength to support the weight of the shelf 26 and merchandise placed on the shelf 26. The magnets 40 may have any appropriate shape and configuration. Use of the magnets 40 enables the shelves 26 to be removably attached to the support structure 12 without damaging the display panel 18. This embodiment may be used in the method of decorating walls of a retail store 16, as previously described above.

As shown in FIGS. 6-7, the interchangeable retail store display 10 may be formed as shown in FIG. 5 and described above and be configured to be offset outwardly from a wall 14. In particular, the interchangeable retail store display 10 may be suspended outwardly from a wall 14 such that backlighting may be used. The support structure 12 may be attached to a frame 42. The frame 42 may be formed from any appropriate material, such as, but not limited to, wood, metals, and plastics. The frame 42 may be supported such that the frame 42 is offset outwardly from a wall 14. In at least one embodiment, the frame 42 may be supported by a subframe 44 that is smaller than the frame 42 such that when the frame 42 is attached to the subframe 44, the subframe 44 cannot be seen from the front. The subframe 44 may be formed from any appropriate material, such as, but not limited to, wood, metals, and plastics. The subframe 44 may be attached to the wall using any appropriate connection system including, but not limited to, a mechanical connector, such as bolts, nails, and other connectors. The frame 42 may be releasably or permanently attached to the subframe 44. In one embodiment, the frame 42 may be releasably attached to the subframe 44 with a cleat system, as shown in FIG. 7, in which the subframe 44 includes cleats 46 projecting upwardly that are configured to fit within recesses 50 in blocks 48 extending from the frame 42. Such a support system enables the subframe 44 to be supported by placing the frame 42 on the cleats 46. In this embodiment, the display panel 18 may be suspended off of the wall 14. The distance that the display panel 18 is offset from the wall 14 may vary and, in some embodiments, may be between about 3 inches and about 12 inches or more.

Light fixtures 34 may be positioned between the wall 14 and the frame 42 to back light the display panel 18. In one embodiment, the light fixtures 34 may be attached to one or more sides of the subframe 44, and in one embodiment, may be attached to each of the sides of the subframe 44. The light fixture 34 may be, but is not limited to, a light emitting diode (LED), a florescent light, incandescent light or other appropriate light fixtures.

The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of this invention. Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of this invention.

Claims

1. An interchangeable retail store display, comprising: a support structure configured to be supported by a wall in a retail store; anda display panel removably attached to the support structure on an inner surface of the display panel and including a display on an outer surface of the display panel that is generally opposite to the inner surface;wherein the support structure is formed from a plate; andat least one shelf removably attached to the outer surface of the display panel with magnetism.

2. The interchangeable retail store display of claim 1, further comprising a frame attached to the support structure opposite to the display panel and a subframe attached to the frame and configured to be attached to a wall to offset the frame from the wall and to support the frame.

3. The interchangeable retail store display of claim 2, further comprising releasably attaching the frame to the subframe with one or more cleats configured to fit within corresponding recesses in blocks.

4. The interchangeable retail store display of claim 2, further comprising at least one light fixture coupled to the subframe for back lighting the display panel.

5. The interchangeable retail store display of claim 1, wherein the support structure is formed from at least one metal plate that is positioned generally vertically to form a wall.

6. The interchangeable retail store display of claim 5, wherein at least one metal plate is attached to a wall with an adhesive.

7. The interchangeable retail store display of claim 1, wherein the display panel is attached to the support structure with an adhesive.

8. The interchangeable retail store display of claim 1, wherein the at least one shelf comprises a plurality of shelves.

9. An interchangeable retail store display, comprising: a support structure supported by a generally vertical wall in a retail store; anda display panel removably attached to the support structure on an inner surface of the display panel and including a display on an outer surface of the display panel that is generally opposite to the inner surface;wherein the display panel includes at least one slot through which shelving proximate to the outer surface of the display panel is attached to the support structure proximate to the inner surface;wherein the outer surface of the display panel includes a design;an attachment system coupled to the display panel for removably coupling the display panel to the support structure; andat least one light fixture coupled to the interchangeable retail store display for lighting the display panel.

10. The interchangeable retail store display of claim 9, wherein the attachment system comprises a hook and loop fastener.

11. The interchangeable retail store display of claim 10, wherein the hook and loop fastener is coupled to a perimeter of the inner surface of the display panel.

12. The interchangeable retail store display of claim 9, wherein the support structure is a slat wall having a plurality of generally horizontal channels sized to receive support feet of removable shelving.

13. The interchangeable retail store display of claim 9, wherein the at least one light fixture is coupled to the support structure proximate to a top edge of the display panel and at least one light fixture is coupled to the support structure proximate to a bottom edge of the display panel.

14. The interchangeable retail store display of claim 9, wherein the display panel is laminated.

15. A method of decorating walls of a retail store, comprising: attaching a display panel to a support structure coupled to a generally vertical wall in the retail store, wherein the display panel is removably attached to the support structure on an inner surface of the display panel and includes a display on an outer surface of the display panel that is generally opposite to the inner surface;wherein shelving is removably positioned on the outer surface of the display panel with magnestism.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein attaching a display panel to a support structure comprises attaching a display panel to a support structure, wherein a frame is attached to the support structure opposite to the display panel and a subframe is attached to the frame and configured to be attached to a wall to offset the frame from the wall and to support the frame.

17. The interchangeable retail store display of claim 1-6, wherein attaching a display panel to a support structure comprises attaching a display panel to a support structure and releasably attaching the frame to the subframe with one or more cleats configured to fit within corresponding recesses in blocks.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising attaching at least one light fixture to the subframe for back lighting the display panel.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein attaching the display panel comprises using an attachment system coupled to the display panel for removably coupling the display panel to the support structure.